Review: Nokia Phones

This week's must-have gadget is the latest marvel from Nokia: the 8800 series. It is the most visually appealing mobile phone on the market with its elegant chrome finishing and sleek design.

Weighing in at a mere 4 ounces, it is one of the lightest and smallest phones around. The 8800 is packed with features such as a tiny battery that provides 2 to 3 hours talk time or 5 days on standby.

It has a built-in vibrating alert that discreetly alerts you when someone is calling and enables you to view graphics as well as up to 5 lines of text. It allows one to send and receive e-mail and text messages, and features a predictive text input feature, which makes entering text very easy by guessing the word you are typing ahead of time. It actually works surprisingly well.

The phone has an original method of operation. The keypad is protected, similar to flip-style phones but instead of a flip, there is a sliding keyguard that activates and deactivates the phone. Each function is clearly identified using animated icons and full screen graphics.

The 8800 can store 200 names, telephone numbers and when used with the caller ID feature, stores special rings for specific callers. Different profiles are available for different environments, such as loud, silent or vibrating ringer.

As if all this wasn't enough, the 8800 also has a calendar to remind you of meetings, birthdays, and other important dates. It has an alarm clock, multiple language capability, a calculator, and built-in games. Although they are simplistic, the games are a nice way to pass some leisure time.

An infrared port can send data to printers, PC's and other IRDA phones that can be useful for transferring emails, phone lists or scheduling.

With its light weight, long list of features and beautiful style, the 8800 will be one of the most sought after cellular phones on the market. It's only hindrance is its price, which ranges between $500 and $800 depending on the monthly plan. As with most cellular phones, the price will drop with time but for now the phone remains somewhat exclusive.

But if you have deep pockets and features and tiny size are what you look for in a phone, then there is no phone like the 8800 series.